Food security expected to deteriorate to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) in Kailahun during the lean season

According to the short-term forecast, portions of Sierra Leone are expected to receive increased rainfall in the coming weeks for the start of the upcoming growing season. Normal levels of food availability and access continue to allow most households in the country to maintain and to access food regularly. Additionally, with normal income levels through hired labor for the rehabilitation of cocoa and coffee plantations, acute food insecurity will remain Minimal (IPC Phase 1) in most districts through September 2017.

Normal market functioning and  trade flows continue across the country with the availability of off season harvests. Market stock levels of both imported and local food commodities continue at typical levels, with the exception of local rice stocks, which are lower than usual due to last season’s below-average upland production. Prices of food commodities remain stable since March 2017 hence allowing normal access to food.

Between June and September, acute food insecurity in Kailahun district is expected to deteriorate to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) during the lean season. These outcomes are expected due to poor road networks and the expected increase in the price of petrol, which will most likely affect access and availability of food for most poor households in the district.